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PrairieProf

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Posts posted by PrairieProf

    Analyze This Behaviour

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    Hester is making some funny rooish barking noises but nothing seems bad there to me. Much like how Beth plays. She barks her head off at other dogs when she wants them to run. It's just aroused play. This deerhound acts kind of like the one she has played with, resisting opening up and running -- his mom always calls, "RUN, Bhaltar!" And then she sort of courses him if he does run. I find them a bit wussy compared to greys. :) Greyhounds are very intense in their play style and mine at least gets pretty frustrated if dogs won't run, since chasing play is what they are most wired for. However, I've been taking her to the dog park for five+ years with minimal problems.

    Need Some Help With Clarice

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    I can't judge if you should start classes soon, but Beth and I had very good class experiences at Petsmart and she went through Advanced. Of course the trainer we worked with had more real experience than a lot of trainers there, but it's all positive methods -- that's standardized throughout all stores. You can also repeat classes for free. Quite a distracting environment though. They have puppy as well as beginner classes.

    Long Time Sniffer, First Tine Eater

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    Beth has done it forever and with any food. Considering her great overall health and wonderful coat everyone comments on I highly doubt it's medical in any way. And she's on a fixed formula food.

     

    It is the time of the hard freeze that makes poopsicles perfect. Beth's focus on them has increased in the past two weeks.

    Gastric Issues Again

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

     

    Could still be the food, so don't discount it. Even if he is getting the same brand/flavor of kibble and treats, the ingredients can vary between lots. Ingredients can be sourced from different sources, and you would never know.

     

    This is absolutely not the case with prescription foods and some others, BTW. There is a difference between "fixed formula" foods and others. http://303animalclinic.com/tag/fixed-formula/

     

    I really think you should look back at past posts by Soulsmom and Merlinsmum. RobinM's Beau has very severe IBD which is less like your dog than Soul and Merlin, who have had recurrent episodes of HGE.

    Gastric Issues Again

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    Of COURSE it's worth having Flagyl on hand. You absolutely need it!! My dog has way lesser issues and I would never be without Flagyl on hand. You absolutely need to start it at the very first sign of anything amiss.

     

    Yes, I can think of at least two GT members (Soulsmom and Merlinsmum) whose hounds have had repeated HGE incidents, I know there are others. Both of those hounds can ONLY eat Prescription I/D I believe. (My hound is on it steadily too, for different reasons, and does wonderfully.) I would suggest visiting your regular vet within a day or so and developing strategies for managing what will probably be a recurrent issue.

    Reverse Sneezing Question

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    Are the episodes outdoors or inside too? Has the weather changed? Cold air makes Beth regular sneeze when we first go out in winter. Oh wait, you said at night. Hot dry heated air inside? I.e. look for environmental factors first that might trigger some irritation.

    Undercover Vet Segment On 20/20.

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Until very recently, I have not had problems with my vet (last time I went though, a new vet was working and I really felt like she was pushing expensive treatments). However, the push for yearly vaccinations drive me insane. In Louisiana, rabies are yearly so of course, every time go, the vet automatically starts to give a bunch of shots, so I have to make sure they doesn't get anything they don't need. Every time I give my animals a vaccination, I run the risk of a reaction.

     

    Really though, around here, you can't bring your pet to the groomer, broading, or even classes at Petsmart unless they have had all of the vaccinations yearly. I have considered requesting a titter but I don't know if that would be a acceptable substitute.

     

    Yes, a titer is an acceptable substitute, I do it. Actually the records won't even say the dog was titered, just list that they are not due for a new vaccine until the next year. So your dog will be seen as current on all vaccines. Of course, a titer actually costs more than the vaccine would! Beth was titered for several years and then did need a booster for part of her combo shot last year, so I was happy to do that.

    Paw Wax To Protect Pads From Snow, Ice, And Salt, Maybe Even Slipping?

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by PrairieProf

    Blue is the size for greyhounds. I have seen lots of breed size charts. Purple is good if you are using them to keep a bandaged foot dry outdoors, another fabulous year round use.

     

    Pawz do rip pretty readily from greyhound nails and don't hold up well at all for running, fyi. But they still work with small rips and I can generally get through the winter with one packet.

    Picky Eater Or Just Wanting Me To Add Something To It.

    in Food and dietary discussion

    Posted

    One caution about adding water to dry kibble. Some of the premium dog brands use citric acid as a preservative. It begins to break down quickly when moisture is present, and this can greatly increase the hound's chance of bloat. (I've read this from a number of sources, which I'm merely parroting since I'm not a chemical expert. Hopefully I'm not repeating apocrypha.)

     

    That is reported, but I think it was based on correlation in one small study. It is not accepted as any kind of major bloat factor, not that there is any strong consensus about anything as a major bloat factor. (My food does use citric acid, and I do add water. I mean otherwise you'd have to not let them drink after they ate if you were so worried about it.)

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